System and apparatus for sanitizing a door opening device or other point of contact

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface may include a housing configured to be affixed about at least a portion of said point of contact. The housing may have an interior in or through which the point of contact may be accessed and an anterior opening for access to the interior. The apparatus may further include one or more sources of a sanitizing agent configured to direct the sanitizing agent toward a location where at least a portion of the point-of-contact surface may be disposed. One or more of an anterior dome, an inner surface, and a posterior surface may also be configured to reflect the sanitizing agent toward the location where at least a portion of the point-of-contact surface may be disposed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/070,044, now pending, which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a system and apparatus for sanitizinga point of contact for multiple persons. More specifically, thisdisclosure relates to a system and apparatus for sanitizing a surface ofa door opening device, an elevator control panel, an automatic tellermachine, or another point of contact.

b. Background Art

Doorknobs, other door opening devices, and other points of contact forlarge groups of people, such as automatic teller machines (ATMs) andelevator buttons or control panels, can be involved in the spread ofcommunicable germs. In hospitals, germs communicated through points ofcontact can lead to increased patient sickness. In an officeenvironment, germs communicated through points of contact can lead tosick employees and lost productivity. In public spaces, germscommunicated through points of contact can lead to a sick populace andspread of disease.

The effect of germs spread through points of contact can besignificantly reduced by sterilizing or sanitizing the surface of thepoint of contact periodically, such as after each use of the point ofcontact. There is therefore a need for a system and apparatus tosanitize point-of-contact surfaces to eliminate one or more of theproblems described above.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface, such as, forexample, a doorknob, other door opening device, automatic tellermachine, or elevator buttons or control panels, may include a housingconfigured to be affixed about at least a portion of thepoint-of-contact surface. The housing may have an interior in or throughwhich the point-of-contact surface may be accessed and an anterioropening for access to the interior. The apparatus may further includeone or more sources of a sanitizing agent configured to direct thesanitizing agent toward the point-of-contact surface. At least one ofthe one or more sources of a sanitizing agent may be a source ofgermicidal ultraviolet (UV) light.

A system for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface may include anapparatus configured to be affixed about at least a portion of thepoint-of-contact surface. The apparatus may include one or more sourcesof a sanitizing agent and may have at least a first operating state inwhich the apparatus is configured to direct a first amount of thesanitizing agent toward the point-of-contact surface and a secondoperating state in which the apparatus is configured to direct a secondamount of the sanitizing agent toward the point-of-contact surface. Thesystem may further include a switch configured to change the operatingstate of the apparatus. The switch may comprise one or more of a manualswitch, a motion sensor, a timer, and a remote activation system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a sanitizingapparatus for a point-of-contact surface.

FIG. 2 is an anterior view of the first apparatus embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a first side view of the first apparatus embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a second side view of the first apparatus embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first apparatus embodiment,taken substantially along line 5-5 in FIG. 3, with an exemplary point ofcontact shown in phantom.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a sanitizingapparatus for a point-of-contact surface.

FIG. 7 is an anterior view of the second apparatus embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a posterior view of the second apparatus embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a system forsanitizing a point-of-contact surface.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a system forsanitizing a point-of-contact surface.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a system forsanitizing a point-of-contact surface.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a system forsanitizing a point-of-contact surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the art that certain sanitizing agents may be used tosanitize objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs, other door openingdevices, automatic teller machines (ATMs), or elevator buttons andcontrol panels. One type of sanitizing agent is electromagnetic energyof a particular frequency in the ultraviolet (UV) light spectrum.Ultraviolet light with a wavelength in the range of about 100 nanometersto about 280 nanometers (referred to herein as germicidal UV) is knownto be deadly to bacteria and other micro-organisms, killing themicro-organisms, rendering them harmless, or eliminating their abilityto reproduce. Germicidal UV with a wavelength of about 254 nanometers (afrequency of about 1.18 petahertz (PHz)) is known to be particularlyeffective. In one embodiment of the present invention, germicidal UV maybe used as an effective agent for sterilizing or sanitizing doorknobs,other door opening devices, automatic teller machines (ATMs), elevatorbuttons and control panels, and other devices and apparatus that may bepoints of contact for a large volume of people, referred to herein as“points of contact.” Similarly, as used herein, a “point-of-contactsurface” refers to any surface of a point of contact. A system andapparatus for sanitizing such point-of-contact surfaces may involvegermicidal UV or other sanitizing agents.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals are usedto identify identical components in the various views, FIG. 1 is anisometric view of an embodiment 10 of a sanitizing apparatus for apoint-of-contact surface. Apparatus 10 may include a housing 12 and oneor more attachment structures 18. Housing 12 may include an anterioropening 14 and an interior 16. As used herein, “posterior” refersgenerally to the end of an apparatus or system, such as apparatus 10,proximate to a point of contact or to a structure to which the point ofcontact is attached (e.g., a wall or door). “Anterior” refers generallyto the end of the apparatus or system through or by which a human usermay access the point of contact, such as by extension of a hand throughanterior opening 14. Housing 12 may contain one or more sources of asanitizing agent, one or more surfaces to focus and reflect thesanitizing agent toward a point-of-contact surface, and wiring andcircuitry enabling the one or more sanitizing agent sources to function.An anterior dome 20 or other anterior structure may be provided at theanterior end of housing 12 and may be configured to reflect or directthe sanitizing agent toward a location where the point-of-contactsurface is to be disposed when apparatus 10 is installed. At least aportion of the point of contact may extend into interior 16—i.e., thepoint of contact may be accessed in or through interior 16. Anterioropening 14 may provide user access to interior 16—i.e., human access tothe point of contact sanitized by apparatus 10. Attachment structures 18may be provided to attach housing 12 to a door, door frame, wall, orother structure to allow interior 16 to be disposed about apoint-of-contact surface. Attachment structures 18 may be brackets andscrews, as shown, or other functional attachment structures or devices.

FIG. 2 is an anterior view of apparatus 10 looking through anterioropening 14 and through interior 16 to a posterior opening 22. Aprotective screen 30 (best shown in FIG. 5) has been omitted forclarity. Interior 16 may be defined as the area within housing 12between anterior opening 14 and posterior opening 22. Posterior opening22 may be provided for a portion of a doorknob, other door openingdevice, or other point of contact to extend into interior 16. In anembodiment in which no point-of-contact surface extends into interior16, such as, for example, an ATM interface or a set of elevator buttons,posterior opening 22 may be the opening through which a sanitizing agentpasses to reach the point-of-contact surface from interior 16.

Interior 16 may contain one or more sources of a sanitizing agent. Inapparatus 10, the sources may be three ultraviolet (UV) light bulbs 24.Bulbs 24 may operate at the germicidal range of the ultraviolet lightspectrum and/or have a germicidal coating. In embodiments where bulbs 24apply germicidal UV as a sanitizing agent, bulbs 24 may operate within awide range of powers and exposure times, such as, for example, power inthe range of about 4-65 watts and exposure times of about 2-10 seconds.However, it should be understood that less power may be used inconjunction with a longer exposure time, or more power in conjunctionwith a shorter exposure time. Bulbs 24 are not limited to germicidal UVas a sanitizing agent. Bulbs 24 may sanitize surfaces based on one ormore of: (1) a particular characteristic of the agent or energy applied(e.g., germicidal UV); (2) the heat resulting from the application ofthe sanitizing agent or energy, or (3) the interaction of the agent witha particular characteristic of the surface or another substance appliedto the surface.

An inner surface 26 may be configured in shape and material to reflector direct the sanitizing agent toward a location where thepoint-of-contact surface is to be disposed when apparatus 10 isinstalled, thereby increasing the exposure of the surface to thesanitizing agent. In an embodiment where the point of contact does notextend into interior 16 (i.e., no point-of-contact surface is withininterior 16), inner surface 26 may be configured to direct or reflectthe sanitizing agent toward the posterior end of interior 16. Innersurface 26 is shown as a cylinder, but inner surface 26 may have anothershape adapted to a particular application. Inner surface 26 may comprisealuminum, glass, or another reflective material, and/or may be coatedwith a reflective layer. Inner surface 26 may be configured to supportbulbs 24 or otherwise be coupled with bulbs 24. Additionally, innersurface 26 may be a unitary surface or structure, as shown, or maycomprise multiple pieces or surfaces.

A posterior surface 28 may also be provided and may be configured toreflect or direct the sanitizing agent toward a location where thepoint-of-contact surface is to be disposed once apparatus 10 isinstalled. Posterior surface 28 may be one or more plates or otherinsert placed at posterior opening 22, as shown in FIG. 2, and may beconfigured to conform to the geometry of the point of contact. Atwo-segment posterior surface 28 with a circular opening, as shown, maybe appropriate for use with a point of contact having a cylindricalextension portion, such as a doorknob. Although shown as a separatepiece from housing 12, posterior surface 28 may also be integral withhousing 12 and may have a hole or other cut-out portion formingposterior opening 22. Posterior surface 28 may comprise aluminum, glass,or another reflective material, or may be non-reflective if reflectionfrom the posterior end of apparatus 10 is not desired.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are side views of apparatus 10. Apparatus 10 may have a“longer” side, as shown in FIG. 3, and a “shorter” side, as shown inFIG. 4. However, it should be understood that the geometry of apparatus10 may be adapted to particular points of contact and particularmanufacturing restraints. Additionally, the size of housing 12 (and therest of apparatus 10) may be adapted to a particular application orparticular manufacturing constraints.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of apparatus 10, taken substantiallyalong line 5-5 in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 includes an exemplary point-of-contact(shown as a doorknob) in phantom. Although a gap is shown betweenapparatus 10 and the phantom door, apparatus 10 may be configured to beflush with such a door or other structure or surface. FIG. 5 alsoincludes a protective screen 30 not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Protectivescreen 30 may be provided to separate bulbs 24 (or another source of asanitizing agent) from anterior opening 14 and posterior opening22—i.e., screen 30 is disposed between bulbs 24 and a central portion ofinterior 16. In effect, protective screen 30 may divide interior 16 intotwo compartments—a first compartment containing bulbs 24 and a secondcompartment providing human access from anterior opening 14 to the pointof contact. Protective screen 30 may be provided for many purposes. Forexample, one purpose may be to prevent irritating contact between a userof the point of contact and bulbs 24, which may reach high temperaturesand/or may be coated with a substance that may irritate human skin.Another exemplary purpose may be to prevent user contact with bulbs 24,which may be fragile. Protective screen 30 may be of any suitable shape,material, and geometry configured to allow the sanitizing agent to passfrom sources 24 to the point-of-contact surface. For example only,screen 30 may be a relatively rigid plastic cylinder having the samediameter as anterior opening 14, as shown. Screen 30 may include gaps,slits, or vents, or may be solid. Protective screen 30 also may be aunitary structure, or may comprise several segments and/or surfaces.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a second embodiment 34 of an apparatusfor sanitizing a point-of-contact surface. Apparatus 34 is nearlyidentical to apparatus 10, but apparatus 34 lacks an anterior dome.Apparatus 34 may extend less in the anterior direction from thepoint-of-contact surface than apparatus 10, but apparatus 34 may stilleffectively sanitize the point-of-contact surface.

FIG. 7 is an anterior view of apparatus 34. Lacking a anterior dome,housing 12 and interior 16 may be configured to extend no further in theanterior direction than do bulbs 24. Bulbs 24 may also be configured insize, shape, and orientation in apparatus 34 or apparatus 10 for aparticular point of contact. For example, rather than extending axially,as shown (i.e., substantially parallel to an axis of the apparatusextending from anterior opening 14 to posterior opening 22), bulbs 24may extend circumferentially, or otherwise normal to the apparatus axis.

FIG. 8 is a posterior view of apparatus 34 with posterior surface 28removed. Apparatus 10 may appear substantially the same from theposterior perspective, except the interior of anterior dome 20 would bevisible. Posterior opening 22 may be configured in size and shape toaccommodate a particular point of contact.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a system forsanitizing a point-of-contact surface, designated system 36. System 36may include an apparatus 38 for sanitizing a point-of-contact surfaceand a manual switch 40. Apparatus 38 may be apparatus 10, apparatus 34,or another apparatus configured to sanitize a point-of-contact surface.Apparatus 38 includes an electrical circuit configured to controlsanitizing agent sources 24, shown again as bulbs or lamps. Theelectrical circuit may include one or more power supplies (shown asthree 6-volt battery packs) and one or more circuit boards configured toelectrically couple the power supplies with the sanitizing agent sources24, such as, for example, through a socket affixed to apparatus 38 intowhich lamp 24 may be removably placed. The power supply for theelectrical circuit may also be an external source, such as, for example,from a wall socket through an appropriate cord. Additionally oralternatively, apparatus 38 or system 36 may include a generator torecharge batteries or battery packs within the circuit. The generatormay be coupled to a door, door opening device, or other device such thatthe batteries are charged when the door is opened or closed, the dooropening device is turned, or energy is otherwise imparted to thegenerator. Switch 40 may control the current flowing through theelectrical circuit, thereby controlling the power applied to sanitizingagent sources 24 and thus controlling the amount of the sanitizing agentemitted by sanitizing agent sources 24.

Apparatus 38 may have at least two operating states: a first state inwhich apparatus 38 directs a first amount of a sanitizing agent toward alocation where a point-of-contact surface may be disposed afterinstallation of apparatus 38, and a second state in which apparatus 38directs a second amount of the sanitizing agent toward the samelocation. Switch 40 may change the operating state of apparatus 38 bycontrolling the power applied to sanitizing agent sources 24, asdescribed above. Manual switch 40 may be integrated into apparatus 38(such as in housing 12), or may be located in close proximity toapparatus 38. Switch 40 may be a button, lever, switch, other binaryswitching device, or a slider, dimmer, or other analog switching device.

Apparatus 38 may sanitize a point-of-contact surface when activated byswitch 40. For example, an individual may reach into apparatus 38, turna doorknob disposed within interior 16, and open the attached door.After opening the door, the user may manually “flip” switch 40, changingapparatus 38 from an “OFF” state to an “ON” state. In an “ON” state, theelectrical circuit of apparatus 38 is configured to energize bulbs 24such that bulbs 24 emit a non-zero amount of a sanitizing agent, such asgermicidal UV, toward the doorknob. The shape and materials of interior16 may reflect and direct the sanitizing agent (e.g., germicidal UV)onto the doorknob. Bulbs 24 may be deactivated (i.e., apparatus 38 maybe changed from an “ON” state to an “OFF” state in which bulbs 24 emit asubstantially zero amount of the sanitizing agent) upon a second manual“flip” of switch 40. A user of the door may also flip switch 40 prior tousing the doorknob to sanitize the doorknob before making contact withthe doorknob, then flip switch 40 a second time to deactivate bulbs 24such that the user may safely extend a hand into apparatus 38. In analternative embodiment, apparatus 38 may have three discrete operatingstates: “HIGH,” “LOW,” and “OFF” which may be selected by “flipping” anappropriate switch. Apparatus 38 may also have four or more discreteoperating states, or may have multiple operating states along an analogscale.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a second embodiment 42 of a system forsanitizing a point-of-contact surface. System 42 may include many of thesame features and functionality as system 36, but system 42 may changethe state of apparatus 38 with a remote activation system 44. Remoteactivation system 44 may include a remote receiver 46 integrated withapparatus 38 and a remote control 48. Remote receiver 46 may have anindependent power supply, as shown. Remote control 48 may communicatewith remote receiver 46 wirelessly, such as by a radio frequency signal,or through a wired connection.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a third embodiment 50 of a system forsanitizing a point-of-contact surface. System 50 may include many of thesame features and functionality as systems 36 and 42, but system 50 mayinclude a timer 52 for automatically deactivating apparatus 38. Timer 52may be coupled with manual switch 40 such that timer 52 automaticallychanges the operating state of (e.g., cuts power to) apparatus 38 aftera set amount of time after switch 40 is “flipped.” As a result,apparatus 38 may sanitize a surface for a pre-determined amount of time,such as, for example, 3-5 seconds, upon switch 40 being “flipped.” Timer52 may be configured to allow apparatus 38 to administer an effectivedose of the sanitizing agent before de-energizing the electricalcircuit. For example, timer 52 may allow the circuit of apparatus 38 toremain energized for about 5 seconds after switch 40 is “flipped.”

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment 54 of a system forsanitizing a point-of-contact surface. System 54 may include many of thesame features and functionality as systems 36, 42, and 50, but system 54may include a motion sensor 56 for automatically activating and/ordeactivating apparatus 38. Although not shown, motion sensor 56 mayinclude an independent power supply. In an exemplary embodiment, aftermotion sensor 56 senses movement (e.g., a hand entering apparatus 38),system 54 may wait about six seconds (i.e., enough time for a user toaccess the point-of-contact and remove the hand), then change theoperating state of apparatus 38 (e.g., from a de-energized “OFF” stateto an energized “ON” state) to sanitize the point of contact. Timer 52may allow the circuit of apparatus 38 to remain energized for about 5seconds before de-energizing the circuit. Such an exemplary embodimentmay include two or more timers 52 (e.g., a first timer to count thepassage of time between sensing movement and the energizing of thecircuit, and a second timer to count the passage of time between theenergizing of the circuit and the de-energizing of the circuit).

A system and apparatus for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface, suchas, for example, a doorknob, other door opening device, ATM, or elevatorbuttons or control panel, as described herein has many advantages. Thereduction of communicable germs in hospitals, where individuals may haveweakened immune systems, may reduce loss of life and other illnessresulting from transmitted germs. The reduction of communicable germs inthe workplace and in schools may reduce lost work productivity and lostschool days. The size and shape of the apparatus can be tailored to aparticular application, so the apparatus need not unduly add to the bulkof the point-of-contact and can function with many different points ofcontact. The shapes and materials of the apparatus (e.g., anterior dome20, inner surface 26, posterior surface 28) may increase the efficiencyand efficacy of the sources of a sanitizing agent—thereby lowering thenecessary power consumption of the system and apparatus—by reflecting ordirecting the sanitizing agent toward a location where thepoint-of-contact may be disposed. Additionally, because the sanitizingsystem and apparatus may include one or more of, for example, a switch,timer, remote activation system, or motion sensor, the use and powerconsumption of the sanitizing system can be scaled to the frequency thatsanitization is necessary for a particular point of contact.

Although numerous embodiments of this invention have been describedabove with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the artcould make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of this invention. All directionalreferences (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left,right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical,horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used foridentification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the presentinvention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to theposition, orientation, or use of the invention. Joinder references(e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construedbroadly and may include intermediate members between a connection ofelements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinderreferences do not necessarily infer that two elements are directlyconnected and in fixed relation to each other. It is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting.Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from thespirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for sanitizing a point-of-contactsurface, comprising: a housing configured to be affixed about at least aportion of said point-of-contact surface, having an interior in orthrough which said point-of-contact surface may be accessed and ananterior opening for access to said interior; and one or more sources ofa sanitizing agent configured to direct said sanitizing agent toward alocation where at least a portion of said point-of-contact surface maybe disposed.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, said housing furthercomprising an inner surface configured to reflect said sanitizing agenttoward a location where at least a portion of said point-of-contactsurface may be disposed.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said innersurface is substantially cylindrical.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a protective screen configured to separate at leastone of said sources of a sanitizing agent from a central portion of saidinterior in or through which said point-of-contact surface may beaccessed.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said protective screen issubstantially cylindrical.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a posterior opening through which at least a portion of saidpoint-of-contact surface may extend into said interior; and a posteriorsurface configured to reflect said sanitizing agent toward a locationwhere at least a portion of said point-of-contact surface may bedisposed.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an anteriordome configured to reflect said sanitizing agent toward a location whereat least a portion of said point-of-contact surface may be disposed. 8.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more attachmentstructures for affixing said housing about at least a portion of saidpoint-of-contact surface.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at leastone of said one or more sources of a sanitizing agent is a source ofgermicidal ultraviolet (UV) light.
 10. A system for sanitizing apoint-of-contact surface, comprising: an apparatus configured to beaffixed about at least a portion of said point-of-contact surface,comprising one or more sources of a sanitizing agent and having at leasta first operating state in which said apparatus directs a first amountof said sanitizing agent toward said surface and a second operatingstate in which said apparatus directs a second amount of said sanitizingagent toward said surface; and a switch configured to change theoperating state of said apparatus.
 11. The system of claim 10, whereinsaid switch comprises a motion sensor.
 12. The system of claim 10,wherein said switch comprises a manual switch.
 13. The system of claim10, wherein said switch comprises a remote activation system comprising:a remote control; and a receiver coupled with said apparatus andresponsive to said remote control.
 14. The system of claim 10, whereinsaid switch comprises a timer.
 15. The system of claim 10, wherein atleast one of said one or more sources of a sanitizing agent is a sourceof germicidal ultraviolet (UV) light.
 16. A system for sanitizing apoint-of-contact surface, comprising: an apparatus comprising: a housingconfigured to be affixed about at least a portion of saidpoint-of-contact surface, having an interior in or through which saidpoint-of-contact surface may be accessed and an anterior opening foraccess to said interior; and one or more sources of a sanitizing agent;wherein said apparatus has at least a first operating state in whichsaid apparatus directs a first amount of said sanitizing agent toward alocation where at least a portion of said point-of-contact surface maybe disposed and a second operating state in which said apparatus directsa second amount of said sanitizing agent toward said location; and aswitch configured to change the operating state of said apparatus. 17.The system of claim 16, wherein said switch comprises a motion sensor.18. The system of claim 17, wherein said switch further comprises atimer.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein at least one of said one ormore sources of a sanitizing agent is a source of germicidal ultraviolet(UV) light.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein said apparatus furthercomprises a protective screen configured to divide said interior into afirst compartment in which at least one of said one or more sources of asanitizing agent is disposed, and a second compartment in or throughwhich said opening device may be accessed.